Living on the planet Haruun Kal, the Balawai, or Downfolk, were the group of offworld settlers who fought with the Korunnai, the natives of the planet, during the Summertime War there. 96% of the Balawai were Humans, although the term also encompassed the various alien settlers as well, among whom were Neimoidians, Kubaz, Yuzzem, Wookiees, t'landa Til, Kitonak, Pho Ph'eahian, Yarkora, and Togorians.
The Balawai were outsiders to the Korunnai, arriving on-world mainly to collect the expensive spices that were native to Haruun Kal. They completely controlled the world's civil government, funding it mainly through the thyssel bark trade. They used blasters instead of hand-crafted weapons.
During the Clone Wars, the Balawai sided with the Confederacy of Independent Systems, mainly due to the fact that at the start of the war there was a Judicial Department investigation into whether the Balawai government had been infringing upon the rights of the Korunnai. After the Battle of Haruun Kal, the Summertime Wars were ended, and the Galactic Republic negotiated a peace between the Korunnai and the Balawai.
The name Balawai was a nomenclature meaning Outsider, coined by the Korunnai and used only by the Korunnai. The immigrants on Haruun Kal thought of themselves simply as their own races. To call one of the Balawai such to their face would be a grave insult.
Gemmy was a known Balawai.
Appearances
- Shatterpoint (First appearance)
- Coruscant Nights I: Jedi Twilight (Mentioned only)
- Imperial Commando: 501st (Mentioned only)